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The Triangle Youth Chorus Trophy initiative was established in 2004. Its purpose is encourage and promote choral singing in public schools, and to recognize the achievements of youth ensembles and music educators.
The Trophy is an inventive metal sculpture: 14 choristers on a wood base, with plaques for 30 years of recipients. It's big, fun and impressive. Designed by North Carolina artist Lyle Estill, the Trophy is a sort of "Stanley Cup" for young choral singers. It is presented in April and retained by the winning school for one year.
Along with the Trophy comes: a $750 cash grant for travel, supplies, attire, celebration or other purposes; a $300 credit toward music scores; a professional recording session; and, most years, Trophy T-shirts.
All applicant groups have the opportunity to have their work heard around the world in a special segment of WCPE’s “Great Sacred Music.” (Check out the recap of Trophy recipients Ken Hoover aired in October 2007.) They also are eligible for a master class with one of the local stellar choral leaders who have volunteered to support the Trophy initiative.
The Trophy was most recently presented on May 1, 2008, to Capital Pride of Leesville Road High School in Raleigh, a 42-member auditioned chorus directed by Diane Covington. Previous winners include Durham School of the Arts Chorale, led by Scott Hill; the Sandpipers of Jesse O. Sanderson High School, Raleigh, directed by Marshall Butler; Raleigh’s Chamber Choir of Enloe High School, conducted by Ann Huff; Jordansound of C.E Jordan High School in Durham, directed by Joe Lupton.
ELIGIBILITY AND AWARDING
The Trophy is awarded to an ensemble of 24 or more singers – mixed voice, female or male – at a public school in Wake, Durham, Orange or Chatham county. The previous year's recipient is not eligible. Choruses typically are nominated by their teacher/director, but application may be by the school principal, a colleague or anyone familiar with a group's accomplishments.
An Advisory Board of educators, conductors, music critics and choral enthusiasts reviews written and performance materials that are submitted and may attend concerts or other appearances by entrants. Evaluation is based on musical excellence and other factors – such as the choir's impact on members and the school, community involvement, membership diversity, development in vocal quality and musical range, and evidence of passion for and commitment to ensemble singing.
The Advisory Board members are: Lance Buhl, Buhl & Associates; Beverley Francis, Triangle Community Foundation; Scott Hill, Durham Children's Choir; Ken Hoover, WCPE "Great Sacred Music"; John Lambert, Classical Voice of North Carolina; Lisa McIver, Brightleaf Music Workshop; Fran Page, Capital City Girls Choir/Meredith College; Carol Robbins, TriangleSings!; Alfred Sturgis, North Carolina Master Chorale/North Carolina State University. The director of the winning chorus traditionally joins the Board for the following academic year.
Beginning in 2009, the Trophy will go to a middle school chorus, then alternate betweeh high schools and middle schools annually. The 2009 initiative will get underway in November, with preliminary announcements to Triangle middle school choral teachers; they will receive application forms and information in January. A copy of the the application material will available by contacting youthpromusica@aol.com. Applications for 2009 will be due in March.
SPONSORSHIP
Trophy financial supporters are: Hinshaw Music, Inc., TriangleSings!, Walton Music Corporation, Alice and Lance Buhl, Lisa and Tom McIver, Sally Albrecht and Jay Althouse, and Burrage Music Company. In addition to a cash contribution, Hinshaw provides a music credit to the winning chorus for the coming year. Mark Manring annually photographs the award ceremony and produces a CD for the winning ensemble. Master classes are offered gratis by Bill Carroll, Dan Huff, Sue Klausmeyer, Fran Page, Larry Speakman, Al Sturgis and Rodney Wynkoop.
Additional sponsors are invited to join the effort. If you are interested in encouraging young people in the Triangle to sing and sing well, and can donate $100 or more (or $250 in goods or services), please consider getting involved by contacting an Advisory Board member or writing to youthpromusica@aol.com.
For comments and corrections, please contact TriangleSings!
Copyright © 2002-2008 by TriangleSings!
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Events Calendar "Triangle Youth Chorus Trophy")